With a total of 36 medals (19 gold, 12 silver, and 5 bronze), Saigon Port athletes, along with the Vietnam Seaports Association’s sports team, made an outstanding mark by leading the rankings for the first time at the 14^th ASEAN Ports Association Sports Meet. This sports event was held in Shah Alam, Malaysia, from August 21-23^th, 2024.

With a cycle held every 3 years, on August 20^th, the 14^th ASEAN Ports Association (APA) Sports Meet took place at Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (Panasonic). This was the 3^rd time Malaysia hosted the APA Sports Meet, following the events in 1987 and 2000. The unique appearances of Mr. Haji Habibollah – Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Colonel Bui Van Quy – Chairman of the APA, Deputy General Director of Saigon Newport Corporation, left a lasting impression on more than 600 athletes and spectators from ASEAN attending the opening ceremony.

Colonel Bui Van Quy – Chairman of APA, Deputy General Director of Saigon Newport Corporation appeared in a unique way at the opening ceremony.

Athletes from the Vietnam Seaports Association attended the APA Sports Meet 2024.

Musang Pandan – mascot of the 14^th APA Sports Meet in Malaysia.

Proudly accompanying over 75 athletes and supporters from various units, including Saigon Newport, Saigon Port, Hai Phong Port, and many others, are the official competition uniforms sponsored by Egan, under CP Sports Company Limited. The athletes competed in six sports: futsal, golf, mini-marathon, bowling, table tennis, and badminton from August 21-23^th in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Among them, VPA assigned more than 30 athletes from Saigon Port to compete in table tennis and badminton, held at the F.K.A Setia Badminton Academy (SBA Forums).

Saigon Port badminton athletes in competition outfits sponsored by Egan participated from August 21-23^th in Malaysia.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Duy (front) and Mr. Tran Tan Phat (back) from Saigon Port  competed in the veteran men’s doubles.

Table tennis team representing the Vietnam Seaports Association attended the APA Sports Meet 2024.

One of the Vietnamese veteran mixed doubles at the event.

After three intense and thrilling days of competition, with determination and unity, Saigon Port athletes excelled in overcoming many strong opponents, achieving 16 gold medals and 10 silver medals in table tennis and badminton. Their achievements significantly contributed to the top position of Vietnamese sports delegation at this year’s event. Moreover, this occasion was not only a competitive field but also an opportunity for the athletes to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen the bonds of friendship among nations in the ASEAN.

The table tennis athletes excellently won 8 gold medals out of 8 contents.

Vietnamese and Cambodian pairs show friendship before beginning the badminton men’s doubles final.

The Vietnamese and other badminton teams from Southeast Asian countries achieved many impressive results at the APA Sports Meet 2024.

Within the framework of this year’s sports event, in addition to the professional organization and modern facilities, the hospitality and support of the host cannot go unmentioned. From the moment the Vietnamese sports delegations set foot in Malaysia, they were warmly welcomed with meticulous arrangements for accommodation, suitable meals, and optimal living conditions. The organizers also ensured all necessary conditions allowing the athletes to focus thoroughly on their matches without any logistical concerns. Beyond providing the best conditions, the host also demonstrated its friendliness through cultural exchange activities and sightseeing tours in Kuala Lumpur, helping the Vietnamese athletes gain a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s culture and people. This closeness and openness encouraged the solidarity and cohesion among the sports teams, strengthening the relationships not only within Malaysia but also across the Southeast Asian region.

Badminton referee with professional manners and modern equipment in each match.

The referee team completed their mission excellently at the 14^th APA Sports Meet.

Beautiful tour guides from the host always enthusiastically support the Vietnamese table tennis and badminton athletes.

The 14^th APA Sports Meet concluded with successes and memorable moments, and Malaysia’s hospitality surely leaving a lasting impression on the Vietnamese athletes. This event also stands as a testament to the spirit of unity and cooperation within the ASEAN port community, where sports serve not only as a competitive field but also as a bridge that fosters connections among different nations. The Vietnam Seaports Association’s sports team will continue to train and strive for high achievement at the next sports event scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2027.

The remarkable accomplishment of the Vietnamese sports team at the 14^th APA Sports Meet in Malaysia not only becomes a great source of pride but also raises expectations for the followed success of the upcoming Annual Conference 2024 and the 30^th Anniversary of the Vietnam Seaports Association (VPA). These events, co-hosted by VPA and Saigon Port, will take place in Ho Chi Minh City from September 11-13^th. Especially, the competitions in golf and tennis will serve as a testament which the unity of the VPA community will continue to shine in the development of Vietnam’s port industry.

Thai Vuong Nhi

Photos: 14^th APA Sports Meet